Quote o' the Week

"The dignity of the artist lies in his duty of keeping awake the sense of wonder in the world. In this long vigil he often has to vary his methods of stimulation; but in this long vigil he is also himself striving against a continual tendency to sleep."
- Marc Chagall

Freezelight - Russia

See what light can do from FREEZELIGHT.RU on Vimeo.

Gregory Colbert & Lisa Gerrard

This awe-inspiring film is a short excerpt from Gregory Colbert's "Ashes and Snow". He is one of my very favorite artists. I loved this work so much I purchased the full film on DVD:
Amazon.com

Gregory Colbert & Lisa Gerrard from alcyon on Vimeo.

A Letter From Fred

A true, and beautiful, expression of love. I am always amazed by the individuals who take the time to make a difference in someone's life. While this video may not be directly linked to photography (other than noticing the videographer's composition), it is related to this class. Fred expresses himself, and his life, in the song he wrote for his late wife. Ask yourselves, what do YOU want to express?

A Letter From Fred from Green Shoe Studio on Vimeo.

This Week's Photo Friday Winners!

2nd Period ~ Broken

Noah W.

Molly M.

Paul L.


3rd Period ~ Athleticism

Caitlyn

Emerald

Cameron

Announcement!

The Art Institute of Colorado will be here for a visit next Wednesday, September 4th at 10:00 A.M! Take advantage of this great opportunity to meet with their representatives!

SALIENCE

And now for something completely different... a film involving invisible figures emerging from the forest.

S A L I E N C E - A short by Paul Trillo from Paul Trillo on Vimeo.

Gravity

A very surreal stop motion animation and a great example of using a fast shutter speed. "A young woman wakes up to find that she has become weightless, and floats through life until gravity inevitably catches up with her."

GRAVITY // UN RÊVE DE DEMAIN from Filip Piskorzynski on Vimeo.

By Filip Piskorzynski

Aperture and Shutter Speed

Aperture and Shutter Speed both impact exposure (and each other). ISO is in the mix too, and we will learn about that next week. Here is a diagram that explains the relationship between aperture and shutter speed.

Writing with Light Lesson

Birds on the Wires

Making connections in a most fascinating way...

Birds on the Wires from Jarbas Agnelli on Vimeo.

Reading a newspaper, I saw a picture of birds on the electric wires. I cut out the photo and decided to make a song, using the exact location of the birds as notes (no Photoshop edit). I knew it wasn't the most original idea in the universe. I was just curious to hear what melody the birds were creating. I sent the music to the photographer, Paulo Pinto, who I Googled on the internet. He told his editor, who told a reporter and the story ended up as an interview in the very same newspaper.
Here I've posted a short video made with the photo, the music and the score (composed by the birds).
Also check my live presentation of Birds on the Wires at TEDx São Paulo: tedxsaopaulo.com.br/jarbas-agnelli/ An interview about this and other works: biginterview.org/

"In Focus" Lesson ~ Aperture

Photo Friday!

Our first Photo Friday was a huge success last week! We had so many wonderful submissions. Great job, Everyone!

3nd Period ~ Broken

Jenna M.

Annalisa

Josh C. 2nd Period ~ Light

Josh G.

Molly M.

Noah W.

COMBO a collaborative animation by Blu & David Ellis

Does art need to be permanent to be identified as art? What about transformational art?

COMBO a collaborative animation by Blu and David Ellis (2 times loop) from blu on Vimeo.

Please note that the artists had permission to paint this building. This post in no way encourages or promotes graffiti or defacement of property.

Quote o' the Week

I can't take credit for finding this quote. It was in an email received, but I thought it was definitely worthy of sharing.

"There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost."
~ Martha Graham

Joshua Tree during the 2013 Perseid Meteor Shower

When does the photographer use "Da Rules" and when does he "break" them?
Enjoy this beautiful time lapse film.

Joshua Tree during the 2013 Perseid Meteor Shower from Henry Jun Wah Lee / Evosia on Vimeo.

Opportunity! Nurturing Nature Exhibition

The Wildlife Experience has room for at least 12 pieces of 2D artwork (about 16"X20”). It is possible that they will have room for 24 pieces of this size. The theme is "Nurturing Nature". Students are welcomed to submit their artwork! This is a great opportunity to display your artwork/photography!

WHO will be this week's Photo Friday WINNER?!

I'm very excited for our first Photo Friday this week! Themes can always be interpreted in numerous different ways. How will YOU interpret this week's theme?

This week's themes:
2nd Period: Light
3rd Period: Broken

The winner will receive the goodie bag below, which includes an extra credit voucher worth 10 points towards an assignment of your choice. Second and third place photographers will receive a few pieces of candy too.

Good luck and have fun!

Da Rules!

Lesson for this week.

CHOICE

We all face choices, some big, some small. Let's choose to make this our best year yet and to make some fabulous photography!

CHOICE. from gnarly bay productions, Inc. on Vimeo.

By Gnarly Bay Productions

Happy Friday!

I have had a wonderful week with you! I look forward to witnessing your creativity, innovation, experimentation, new ideas, and photography!
We've gone over a lot of material this week, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.
You made it through the first week, now let's make it an amazing year!

Contribute to a Phil Hansen Artwork!

Another exciting opportunity to be involved in Phil Hansen's artwork! Read below for more information:

The Words We Carry
In collaboration with the VERY talented Amanda Palmer

YOU can contribute to this project in 2 ways!

1. Tell me the hurtful, hateful, spiteful words that someone has said about you. I will write them on myself with paint and wipe them away with a piece of canvas that will be added to the artwork. Click the link below:

http://philinthecircle.com/thewordswecarry.html

2. Or, you can send in YOUR own piece to be included in the artwork.
1. Paint the word(s) you carry on your skin (any shades of gray, or white/black).
2. Wipe off each word with a small piece of fabric or canvas (measuring 3x3 inches).
3. Mail me the paint covered square to be added to the artwork.
4. Optional: email me video/photos (or link) of yourself painting and wiping the words.
iam@philinthecircle.com
Phil Hansen
7730 Laredo Dr. #548
Chanhassen, MN 5531

Sustenance

Even in short films, where no photography is involved, we can still observe the elements and principles and how they impact composition. The interpretation of a film, as in photography, may vary from person to person. Is this film meaningful to you?

SUSTENANCE from Matt Kleiner on Vimeo.

By Matt Kleiner

Trim by Peter Simon

Just for fun - a very hairy little stop motion animation...

Trim from Peter Simon (Petey Boy) on Vimeo.

by Mr. Pumpkin Pants & the Manitee Burnouts

Elements & Principles Lesson

The World's Most Powerful Photographs

Technical skill in photography and the knowledge, and use of, the elements and principles, are important in creating a photograph. After all, if your image is blurry, who will be able to understand your message? However, what makes a great photograph great? Is it emotional content? Your own personal interest in the content of the image? Is it because the image is documentary? The photographer's concept? What do you think makes a great photograph great?

Turbulent by Shirin Neshat

This week's lesson focuses on the elements and principles of art as well as concept. As a photographer you need the skills so you can convey your message. The two are dependent on each other. Without the skills, you can't express your idea. Without a great idea/message/concept, you can't have an interesting photograph, no matter how well you know how to handle a camera.
For this blog post, I'm showing you one of my very favorite works of art. I was fortunate enough to view this piece in person when it was on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Imagine yourself in a large, dark room. On your left is a screen with the man, and on the right is the screen with the woman.
While watching this piece, look for the meaning. Why is this piece so powerful? How can you create photographs that are both skillfully made and interesting?

A Thousand Words

Every day: so many opportunities to connect...
What if you took just one?

A Thousand Words from Ted Chung on Vimeo.

Directed by Ted Chung

Day One!

A quick overview.

Freezelight Magic Forest

Fun film using slow shutter speed and "light writing".

Freezelight Magic Forest from FREEZELIGHT.RU on Vimeo.

By Freezelight.ru

New Artwork by Phil Hansen

Anyone who has followed my blog for any length of time knows that I am a big fan of Phil Hansen. His artwork is always original, full of meaning, and in this case, very inspirational. Check out his website at www.philinthecircle.com

I love stop motion

I love stop motion from chloe fleury on Vimeo.

By Chloe Fleury

Rapping about science

This NPR article isn't exactly about art or photography. But it is about education and the love of learning. If only I could rap! I could live up to my name.

Sorry I'm Late

An oldie, but a goodie! Stop motion is just so much fun!

Sorry I'm Late from Tomas Mankovsky on Vimeo.

Museum of Outdoor Arts

There is an exhibition at the Museum of Outdoor Arts in Englewood right now. Bring a friend and be prepared to enjoy yourself!

There are several art projects that allow, no encourage, the viewer to participate! Every piece we experienced we walked away saying "that was my favorite".

There are paintings based on extreme weather. The types of weather are listed at the beginning of the series, and it is up to the viewer to guess the subject. To find out if you guessed correctly, lift a flap next to the painting.

(all photos taken on phone camera - please forgive the poor quality)

The "Cloud Walk" allows you to walk through the artwork. Wander through a field of white, hands forward, with the rustle of paper all around you.

(all photos taken on phone camera - please forgive the poor quality)

"Tornado" is an installation that includes sight and sound.

(all photos taken on phone camera - please forgive the poor quality)

Sally Stockhold's captivating artwork:

(all photos taken on phone camera - please forgive the poor quality)

A Cabinet of Curiosities & Impossibilities:

(all photos taken on phone camera - please forgive the poor quality)

TimeScapes: Rapture

Oh, the stars. A time lapse film.

TimeScapes: Rapture from Tom Lowe on Vimeo.

By Tom Lowe
Purchase "TimeScapes" the movie here: timescapes.org/products/default.aspx
Purchase the film on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/movie/timescapes/id523328712

Work With What You've Got

Fun way to start the new school year!

Socalled || Work With What You Got [vidéoclip officiel] from Dare To Care Records on Vimeo.

Procurez-vous l'album Sleepover ici: socalledmtl.bandcamp.com/
Produced by Dare To Care Records, Secret Study and Caste Projects
Buy the album: itunes.apple.com/ca/album/sleepover/id433627866

The Art of Making, Alma Flamenca

Design. Skill. Craftsmanship.

The Art of Making, Alma Flamenca from Deep Green Sea on Vimeo.

By Deep Green Sea

25,000 Views!

Right at this moment, my blog has reached 25,000 views! Whoo hoo! Thank you, all of my viewers from all over the world, for visiting my blog! I look forward to bringing you more interesting, fun, and educational tidbits!

Quote o' the Week!

"The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson."
— Tom Bodett.